Factors Influencing choice of record keeping among small-scale fish farmers in Osun State Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the variables impacting small-scale fish farmers in Osun State Nigeria, in their decision regarding record keeping. A simple random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and fifty (150) small-scale fish farmers. The information was retrieved using well-structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study's findings showed that majority of the respondents were educated married men and above the age of 35years. In addition, medium scale production was their major intensity of production while hired and family labor was their major source of labor. Most (78.0 %) of the respondents were full-time fish farmers with average farming experience of 7.29years. Purchase record, sales record, stock evaluation record, credit book records, profit and loss records and equipment records were the most important records kept by respondents in the study area. Inferential statistics shows that marital status, educational qualification, intensity of production, sex, species of fish raised, management system and production cycle significantly related to variables affecting small-scale fish farmers in their decision regarding record keeping. Reasons for record keeping were preservation of information about farm business, profit evaluation, farm profitability determination, staff management, indication for the validity of farm business, expansion of farm size, planning of farm budget for successful farm operation and provision of correct data or information for credit purpose. Thus, record keeping among small-scale fish farmers should be encourage and monitored for proper farm evaluation and planning.